Venturing deeper into the tunnels, the group stumbled upon a mystical water fountain, sensing an arcane presence emanating from it. As they approached, their curiosity was met with sudden hostility—two grotesque, bulbous-eyed creatures emerged, launching a psychic assault on the party’s minds. Despite the unsettling attack, the heroes made short work of them. Victorious, they drank from the enchanted waters and felt an immediate rejuvenation coursing through their bodies.
Continuing their journey, they came across two chained bulettes, their restless forms tense as the party moved past. Without warning, the creatures lashed out, their instincts overriding their restraints. As the fight began, a third bulette broke free from its chains and leapt over a chasm, joining the fray. The battle proved grueling, with Valerian nearly succumbing to his wounds, but by some miracle, his strength surged back, allowing the group to finally bring down the monstrous creatures.
Pressing on, they were drawn by the distant clanging of metal, a sound familiar to some. Investigating further, they encountered a swarm of bats, swiftly dispatching them before two duergar called out. Uncertain of their intentions, the party decided discretion was the better part of valor and retreated.
After resting for the night, Eeyore spoke again with Thuluna, who advised leaving the Black Earth faction alone—they were allies. Instead, she urged the group to focus their efforts on Howling Hatred, another cult threatening the region. He relayed this information to the group, and they pressed forward.
Their path led them into a dark chamber, where they found two figures whipping commoners, forcing them to tirelessly turn a massive wheel. Though the heroes attempted to rally the captives to safety, the frightened workers obeyed orders without hesitation when their masters commanded them to attack. With no other choice, the group eliminated the slavers, but amidst the chaos, Yurian struck down one of the commoners.
Seeking to confront the cult’s leader, the heroes sent one of the survivors to fetch them. Not long after, the terrified figure returned—this time, with reinforcements in tow.